NFF explains decision to offer Rohr fresh two–year contract

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick has explained that the resolve of the Federation’s leadership to avoid distractions around Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup preparation and participation informed the offer of a fresh two–year contract to Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr.

Franco-German Rohr, who was signed by the NFF in August 2016, has met the first milestone of his contract, which is qualifying the Super Eagles for a sixth FIFA World Cup finals. Nigeria thoroughly overhauled a so–called Group of Death, spanking 2012 AFCON winners Zambia home and away and earning four points from home-and-away clashes with fellow 2014 World Cup finalists Cameroun and Algeria. Second–placed Zambia finished six points behind the Super Eagles.

“We have decided to confront head-on any possible area of conflict or controversy, and fully resolve each and every possible friction point well ahead of the competition.

“After signing the agreement on payment to the team from expected FIFA income, the next stage was to take care of the Technical Adviser. He has done very well and does not need to go into the World Cup uncertain of his future,” stated Pinnick.

The 64 –year old Rohr, a former Germany defender, flaunts a sterling record with the Super Eagles, winning seven of 12 matches and drawing four in his 15 months in charge so far. His only loss was the 0-2 reverse to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a 2019 AFCON qualifier in Uyo in June 2017.

Meanwhile, the NFF has confirmed that world football–ruling body, FIFA will hold its Executive Football Summit (EFS) meeting in Lagos, Nigeria in February next year.

“Nigeria has been selected as a Member Association to host one of the 12 FIFA Executive Football Summit meetings happening between November 2017 and March 2018, as part of FIFA President, Gianni Infantino’s vision of ‘bringing FIFA back to football and football back to FIFA’,” Pinnick said on Monday.

Already, the NFF has selected Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island as venue and hotel accommodation for the big event, slated for February 20, 2018.

“The NFF opted for Eko Hotels and Suites because FIFA officials are familiar with that facility and its services. It hosted FIFA teams during the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship and the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup. Also important is the fact that the hotel has a new facility named The Signature, and which is of 5-Star quality and rating.

“The entire project, including the expenses of all the participants, such as their accommodation, feeding and transportation and all other logistics having to do with the programme, will be bankrolled by FIFA, ” Pinnick said.A FIFA official was in Lagos during the week to check out on accommodation and other facilities listed for the event.